August was another slow month in terms of adding to my list, but I was still able to add six new species. I tried chasing some targeted species but wasn’t as successful as I was hoping. There were fewer sightings of birds that I still haven’t checked off my list. I also think the heat may have played a role. I’m very excited about the five species I was able to add, none of which I’ve been able to view in person. The species include Wood Stork, LeConte’s Sparrow, Fish Crow, Brewer’s Blackbird, Little Blue Heron, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
I also have one species under review. This means it was reported through eBird, but it needs to be approved by an eBird reviewer because it isn’t common. The Ash-throated Flycatcher was reported at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Chippewa County on Aug. 29. The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a species typically found in the Western United States. If it is approved, this would be a notable species to see in Michigan. It is defined as an accidental species in Michigan, meaning it has been recorded three or fewer times in the last 10 years. It was first recorded in Chippewa County in 1995 and recorded three additional times in the county, the latest in 2012.
As we move into September and fall migration starts to pick up, I’m sure I’ll be able to check even more species off my list. I look forward to getting some new migrants and capitalizing on the lovely birders who enjoy submitting eBird checklists during fall migration.
Featured photo: Ash-throated Flycatcher by Rick Derevan | APA
Species Highlight:
Little Blue Heron
I added Little Blue Heron to my list on Aug. 24 at the Maple State Game Area. The Little Blue Heron looks much like the Great Blue Heron and is typically found in the Southeast. During their first year, the young birds are covered in white feathers, making them better tolerated by Great Egrets, which helps them catch more fish. The young can also mix with flocks of white heron, helping with extra protection from predators.
Photo: Little Blue Heron by Teri Franzen | APA
Biggest Day
This month, my biggest day was Aug. 6 at the Muskegon Wastewater System and Muskegon State Game Area. I was able to get 104 species. Unfortunately, none of the species were new to my list. Even so, there was a great variety of birds around. Between multiple sites within these two areas, I saw several sandpipers, many swallows, and several species of sparrows. Other species to note include Blue-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Northern Harrier, Great Horned Owl, and Bobolink.
You Can Help My Virtual Big Year!
I’m always up for suggestions on places to go on certain days, especially if people are going out birding. I don’t get to add any species if no one is reporting to eBird in the location I pick on that given day. You can email me your birding plans at lcain@michiganaudubon.org.
Hotspot Highlight
This month I’d like to highlight Van Buren State Park in South Haven, Mich. The park is situated on the beaches of Lake Michigan and includes sandy dunes and woodland trails. The park covers approximately 400 acres and offers recreational opportunities and wildlife viewing. Due to the habitats available, a variety of birds can be found at this location. Van Buren State Park has a species list of 196 unique bird species.
Lindsay Cain is Michigan Audubon’s education coordinator. If you are interested in learning more about our events, workshops, presentations, or event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lindsay at 517.580.7364 or lcain@michiganaudubon.org.
You can follow Lindsay’s virtual big year journey through her monthly blog posts or start your Fantasy Birding adventure and look for her on the scoreboards. You can find her under the username “lcain” with a Turkey Vulture as her avatar.